Despite a fast start and a record performance, the Muhlenberg women's lacrosse team lost at Haverford, 16-12, in the first round of the Centennial Conference playoffs.

The third-seeded Fords (12-5) advance to play second-seeded Franklin & Marshall in a semifinal game on Friday. The Mules ended their season with a record of 11-6.

Junior Nicole Steiner scored off a pass from sophomore Emily Vaughan just 18 seconds into the game. A minute later, Steiner and freshman Ava Milia scored 11 seconds apart to make it 3-0.

A third goal by Steiner gave Muhlenberg a 4-0 advantage less than five minutes into the game.

The Mules led 6-2 after the first quarter, but Haverford began inching its way back. The Fords converted a free-position shot with 3.9 seconds left in the first half to draw even at 8-8, then netted the first two goals of the second half to take the lead for good.

It was 12-10 at the end of the third quarter, and Haverford scored the first three goals of the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.

The loss spoiled a tremendous effort by freshman Meaghan Haughney, who set a school record for a postseason game by making 17 saves, including 11 in the first half. The previous record of 12 was set in 2008 and matched in 2016.

Steiner finished with 5 goals for her 13th hat trick of the season. She ended the season with an even 60 goals and will begin her senior campaign with 99 career goals.

Milia added 3 goals for the 10th hat trick of her rookie campaign. Senior Emily Gaffney added a pair in the last game of her career.

Another of the Mules' seven seniors, Grace Bruther (pictured above), caused 2 turnovers.